FREDERIKSTED — Gov. Albert Bryan and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach confirmed that a woman died following a suspected shark attack at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix today.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim, and with everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” Governor Bryan said. “We have been briefed on the information known at this time, and we are grateful to the bystanders who acted immediately to render aid and to the first responders who worked urgently and bravely in an effort to save her life.”
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed condolences and gratitude for those who responded.
“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and all who are grieving this loss,” Lt. Governor Roach said. “In moments like this, we are reminded how quickly life can change. We thank the individuals on the scene who stepped forward to help, and we commend our first responders for their swift action and professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances.”
The Governor and Lt. Governor have been briefed with the information available as of Thursday evening and are in close coordination with relevant agencies, including the Virgin Islands Police Department, St. Croix Rescue, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Coast Guard, which conducted a search of the beach area this evening following the incident.
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at approximately 4:28 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received several calls of a female who was suspected to have been bitten by a shark at Dorcsh Beach, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Marine units as well as Fire and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched immediately to the scene, according to the VIPD.
“Fire confirmed that the female lost an arm during the attack,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.
It was reported that there might be a second victim, according to Dratte.
St. Croix Rescue made a thorough search of the perimeter of the beach area and were unable to confirm that there was another victim, police said.
The female later succumbed to her injures, Dratte said.
The victim was identified by next of kin as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis of Minnesota, according to police.
The investigation into Lillis’ death is ongoing. She was staying at a rented house in Estate St. John on St. Croix.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211.
Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
